In 2014, the Department for Education published guidance on promoting British Values in schools to ensure that young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.  This is broken down into 4 areas:

Democracy

The Rule Of Law 

Individual Liberty 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

 

Pupils are expected to learn these skills, amongst others:

• an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

• an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

• an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

• an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination

• an ability to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England 

• have respect for others 

• accept responsibility for their behaviour 

 

Promoting British Values:

At St Joseph's we promote British Values across the whole school.  Our collective worship reinforces these values, as does our broad curriculum.  The British values are taught through PSHE and RE and are reinforced through other subjects such as history and geography. 

 

What does it mean to be British? 

 

How do we promote Democracy? 

• Voting on which book to read 
• Voting for our School Council representatives, Liturgy Leaders and Learning Ambassadors 
• Holding a Democracy Week 
• Children are actively encouraged to voice their opinions 
• Children vote for class treats 
• Learning throughout Black History Month 
• P4C discussions in lessons 
• Children creating their own class purpose and culture 
• Discussing current affairs on Newsround  

 

How do we promote the Rule of Law? 

• School rules 
• Classroom rules 
• Drug and alcohol lessons 
• Adhering to the class purpose 
• Crucial crew visit in Y6 
• Road safety lessons 
• Courtroom drama of the Prodigal Son in Y6 
• Behaviour policy 
• Turn taking 
• Understanding cause and consequence and rewards and sanctions 
• Rules at the swimming pool in Y5 
• Rules in PE games 
• PSHE lesson content 
• P4C discussions 
• Learning about the fire service Y3 
• PCSO visits 
• Home school agreement 
• Bikeability Y6 

 

How do we promote individual liberty? 

• Differentiated activities in lessons so everyone is included 
• Books to promote dual languages, different families etc. 
• Studying other faiths 
• Lessons on E-Safety 
• Continuous provision in the Early Years so they are able to make choices 
• Circle time, P4C and PSHE lessons provide a time to use their voice 
• Class discussions and listening to each other 
• Anti-bullying week 
• Social stories 
• RSE lessons 
• RE modules on Freedom and Resonsibility and Stewardship 
• E-safety awareness 

 

How do we promote Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs?

• Sharing class resources 
• Promoting and facilitating turn taking 
• Learning about other faiths in RE - Diwali, Passover etc. 
• Reading a range of books 
• School rules 
• External visitors and speakers throughout the year 
• Visits to churches, cathedrals, temples, synagogues and mosques